A Day in the Vatican

One of my favorite parts of Rome is the Vatican. All the artwork, history, decadence, and tradition all in one place is quite incredible. You can truly spend an entire day walking through the Vatican galleries, standing in the Sistine chapel and people watching in St. Peter’s Square.

The secret of the Vatican: be sure to get a tour guide!

If you have a tour guide you are allowed to pass the entire line (which usually takes 2-3 hours). The history and stories of the Vatican are also so fun to hear, and each tour guide has their favorites. If you do not have a guide, there are so many things to be missed.

We actually split our Vatican tour up into multiple days, going to the Vatican a total of four times while in Rome. We did the overall tour at the beginning of the trip. This included the Vatican galleries, the Sistine, and a brief tour of St. Peter’s Basilica (we came back for church in the Basilica on Saturday – AH-MAZING!)

Side note: When we went to mass on Saturday in the Basilica, you are actually allowed in farther than the normal tourists. You are able to walk past St. Peter’s tomb (a moment I will never forget) and mass is said in Latin. There was also a British children’s choir singing for the mass. It was one of the most beautiful services I have ever been to!

The Sistine Chapel is always a favorite of mine. However, I find the painting on the front way (Judgement Day) more incredible than the paintings on the ceiling. Personal preference – that’s all. And I may or may not have taken a few illegal “discouraged” pictures of the ceiling.

As I am sure you know, the Vatican is a reason in itself to visit Rome. And it was even more incredible than the first time I saw it! This is definitely one of those, “you have to see in your lifetime” and I am so glad that everyone in my family did!

Traveler tip: It gets really really hot in the Vatican during the summer (there is no A/C). Make sure you are hydrated and have eaten. I have actually seen people pass out before!